aftereffect

noun

af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tər-ə-ˌfekt How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval

Examples of aftereffect in a Sentence

in the U.S. slavery was abolished in 1865, but its aftereffects remained keenly felt long afterwards
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Knowing that educational outcomes are inextricably linked to our economy, governors and education leaders are grappling with this consistent decline in the face of a K-12 labor shortage, technological change and the aftereffects of the pandemic. Sari Factor, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025 Gallo Images Hurricane Helene debris fuels flames South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said that the fires have been worsened by the aftereffects of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the region in September 2024. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2025 The episode will feature interviews with Foley, his family and other notable wrestlers from the time period who were there to witness the match and the aftereffects to Foley that night. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 The damage for Jett already was done, but doctors needed to control the aftereffects — the seizures. Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for aftereffect

Word History

Etymology

after- + effect entry 1

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of aftereffect was in 1656

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Aftereffect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aftereffect. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

aftereffect

noun
af·​ter·​ef·​fect -ə-ˌfekt How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
: an effect that arises after the first or immediate effect has decreased or disappeared
a medicine with no noticeable aftereffects

Medical Definition

aftereffect

noun
af·​ter·​ef·​fect ˈaf-tə-ri-ˌfekt How to pronounce aftereffect (audio)
1
: an effect that follows its cause after an interval
the aftereffects of surgery
2
: a secondary result especially in the action of a drug coming on after the subsidence of the first effect

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